Thursday, 16 July 2026

Premier wants local authorities to become trusted institutions, smart organisations

KUCHING, July 16 2026: Premier Abang Johari Openg today reminded all local authorities to become trusted institutions, smart organisations  and sustainable drivers of development. 

Caption: Premier Abang Johari says looking ahead to 2030, the Sarawak government  envisions local authorities 2030 — trusted, smart  and sustainable.

He said they build towns and cities not only for today, but  for future generations and create services that  make life easier for the people.

Let us strengthen  governance that earns confidence and respect,” he said when opening the local authority conference today.

The premier said he is confident  that the Sarawak local authorities can become a model  for future local governance — not merely because we  want to be recognised as advanced, but because we  want our people to experience a better quality of life.

Sarawak is not waiting for the future. Sarawak is  creating its own future. In this journey, Local  Authorities have a critical responsibility to ensure  that every policy reaches the people, every  development creates value, and every achievement  leaves a meaningful legacy,” he said.

 Looking ahead to 2030, the Sarawak government  envisions local authorities 2030 — trusted, smart  and sustainable.

Trusted means the local authorities that are respected  by the people, transparent in decision-making and  accountable in delivering services.  

Smart means Local Authorities that embrace  technology, innovation and data to solve problems  and improve efficiency. Sustainable means Local  Authorities that balance economic growth,  environmental protection and community well-being  for future generations.

The leadership and officers of local authorities must  become leaders of change,” he said, adding that they must continuously  improve systems, embrace innovation, listen to  communities and strengthen implementation.

He said transformation requires more than good ideas and  strategies, adding that it requires strong execution, collaboration  and a culture of continuous improvement.

Local authorities cannot work alone. The future  requires a whole-of-government and whole-of society approach involving government agencies,  private sector, academia, communities, youth and  civil society,” the premier said.

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